Daily Telegraph readers share their views on the demise of the
Salisbury Cathedral Close constables.

SIR – Salisbury Cathedral Close constables (report, August 6) have provided security for more than 600 years.

The Close is occupied by a mix of people. The economy of Salisbury relies on the tourists visiting the cathedral. Drunks, drug addicts and the mentally disturbed are carefully controlled by the Close constables in a Christian manner.

What upset many was to announce the decision to remove the constables without consultation with residents. There now appears to be the possibility of such a consultation. Let us hope that the Close constables survive.

Geoffrey R. Peyer Salisbury, Wiltshire

SIR – As a very small boy, I was taken to Salisbury Close at least once a week to play on the Choristers’ Green in front of Mompesson House. This was always preceded by a call on the Close constable who resided in the very first house inside the High Street gate entrance.

He always gave me a 6d piece. I cannot imagine the “traffic managers” proposed to replace the constables would think of such a kindness.

Roger Godwin Stratford-sub-Castle, Wiltshire

SIR – Salisbury Cathedral used to levy a Close way-rate on residents for the maintenance and security of the precinct.

If this were reinstated, the residents could retain their historic constables.

Would their “unhappiness” at losing the constables be great enough for them to welcome back a rate many had forgotten?